[HeadLightBulbsDotCom]

Gladiator: So did you get the box to pass after figuring out what the potential problem was?

[Kazzak]

While on the subject, What possible mechanical reason can there be for a "CA only Cat". its just a tube of steel full of platinum plates to clean the exhaust gasses. I cannot believe that any cat, from cheap to expensive, would not pass CA emissions. Its the O2 sensors adjusting the fuel content based on what the cat is cleaning. I still have my original ECM and original Cat with 125,000 miles. How would my ECM know i now have to have one of these "Special" Ca only cats? How can anyone tell you didnt buy a 49 state emission cat, ship to your aunt Sally in Kansas, then have her ship it to Ca where I weld it myself. How can this be anything but a government boondoggle for Ca to make extra tax money off higher cost products? I ask for any technical reason why I am wrong??????????????????????? My button got pushed reading about this ridiculous crap how we in Ca now need a special Cat.

[PCH]

Actually few things that you are saying are not completely right. This for example:

Originally Posted by Kazzak

Its the O2 sensors adjusting the fuel content based on what the cat is cleaning.

That's not how it works. There are few explanations given in this thread as far as why it's more expensive, etc: http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43131

[Gladiator]

Originally Posted by HeadLightBulbsDotCom

Gladiator: So did you get the box to pass after figuring out what the potential problem was?

I don't have to get it smogged until March. The reason I was scrambling to get it fixed was because of the mpg. Why do our cars go into limp mode? Other than pissing me off for killing my gas mileage, what other purpose(s) could it serve? Especially for a P0420 code.

[PCH]

How do you know the car goes into limp mode when P0420 is set? It normally does that with MAF sensor failure, igniter, temp sensor, etc. It's actually called fail safe mode

[My Toaster]

Originally Posted by Gladiator

What about using a Weapon R CEL Eliminator? I've been wrestling with the P0420 code since Nov2011 and I'm considering the cel eliminator. I've tried the antifoulers, but that only gave me a p0136 code. If it's not one thing, it's another..... PCH do you or anyone else have experience with the eliminator? I'm afraid of dropping $50 on something that will still result in a p0420 code. X2theB, trust me, I know your frustration all too well :-/

Why did you hijack this thread right here? Now it's hard to follow.

---------- Post added 05-17-2012 at 05:22 PM ----------

Originally Posted by x2theB

Back in 2010 I took the car to the shop and told them to replace the catalytic converter. I was told they needed to check and/or replace multiple parts before they would cover the cat replacement. First it was the O2 sensor, which I replaced myself. My replacement wasn't their OEM sensor and they weren't happy. Then it was a gasket which I let them replace thinking it was under warranty until I picked up the car and was given a bill.

When I picked up the car I asked if they drove it to ensure the light didn't come on. I jump in my car and as I turn right out of the parking lot the light turns on. I called to complain that they still didn't fix the issue and that got me nowhere. When I put the car in the shop I told them I would rent a car to drive while they fixed the issue and they could update me along the way. Instead they charged me around $300 to fix a gasket which I told them was not the problem. It was like they already had my money and they didn't care anymore.

I guess I came down with a case of amnesia because I went right back to them. And now the car has 92,000 miles and is no longer under warranty. When I took it there originally I was already close at 77,000 miles. Maybe thats why they gave me the run-around, because they knew if they waited another 4 or 5 weeks the car would be over the limit.

Did you get this resolved? Being that you're in OH (and not Cali) you can replace the OEM CAT with aftermarket (one of the many reasons I live in the MW as well). If you simply fool the ECU with an electronic device that may make the CE code(s) go away temporarily. But a clogged CAT will make it run rough and no good mileage will come of that. Compare a new OEM exhaust Vs an aftermarket CAT. Get it to a reputable exhaust shop and clean up your existing O2 sensors with brake clean or carb and choke cleaner before re inserting.

See if that helps.

---------- Post added 05-17-2012 at 05:28 PM ----------

Here's a good deal on a good CAT.

http://www.rockauto.com/info/Walker/...html?53613.jpg